Brian Cushing, the Houston Texans terrific linebacker, has been lost for the season with a torn ACL, courtesy of this (dirty?) block by Matt Slauson of the Jets.

After we posted GIFs of the block Monday night, we heard from some folks who claim the block was technically, legal. Others didn’t see it that way, and thought diving at someone’s legs from behind when they are a few yards away from the play is not cool.

Either way, this is a devastating blow the Texans, who despite being 5-0, looked vulnerable at times against the lowly Jets. Houston has only played one team that appears to have playoff aspirations (Denver), and won that one mostly thanks to 436 yards of total offense while holding off a late Denver rally.

We’ll find out pretty quickly how much Cushing will be missed defensively: the Texans host Green Bay Sunday night, then Baltimore the following week before a bye. Houston should have no problems wrapping up the division title, but home field advantage in the postseason will be crucial.